In action on Friday, Jan. 17, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) Board of Directors unanimously appointed Gloria G. Salazar as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after the retirement of long-standing CEO Donna DeMartino.
“RTD is in great hands under Ms. Salazar’s leadership,” said RTD’s Board Chair Gary Giovanetti. “She has been a driving force behind many of RTD’s successful initiatives and has been a constant champion for our employees. She has the full support of the Board.”
Salazar assumes this role with over 28 years of experience in the transit industry, including 18 years as RTD’s second-in-command. She has built a strong management and employee team to support her as CEO. Over her tenure as Deputy CEO/Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Salazar provided capable leadership over all aspects of RTD’s operations.
“It’s an honor to serve RTD, our Board, employees, and customers,” said Salazar. “I am very proud of what we have already accomplished and we still have a tremendous opportunity to further enhance our service to the community. I believe in the abilities and commitment of our employees to make it happen and I will continue to work alongside them.”
Salazar’s business acumen has consistently delivered balanced budgets without RTD incurring long-term commercial debt. She has designed effective business processes, implemented robust systems, and promoted fiscal responsibility among RTD employees. She was instrumental in the funding and building of long-term infrastructure projects, such as RTD’s Downtown Transit Center and Regional Transportation Center.
Her leadership contributed greatly to RTD being recognized as the 2018 Outstanding System of the Year Award by the American Public Transportation Association.
In addition to her proven leadership, Salazar is a dynamic speaker who mentors employees and motivates others, including high school students. She also seizes the opportunity to share her knowledge by teaching for the University of the Pacific and Willamette University’s Transit Management Certificate Program. Her passion to develop and encourage others was recognized with the John Lopez Inspirational Award, the highest honor given at RTD to an individual who inspires others and embodies the ideals of service and excellence.
Salazar was honored by the Central Valley Asian Chamber of Commerce in 2017 for breaking through the glass ceiling as a result of her leadership and community service. Born and raised in the Philippines, she finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, magna cum laude. In 1987, she left behind a career as a Certified Public Accountant to come to the United States. She rose through the ranks at various firms while completing a Master in Business Administration Degree, passing all parts of the Uniform CPA exam on the first sitting. She started her transit career at Sacramento Regional Transit District and participated in several high-level transit study programs including Leadership APTA (American Public Transportation Association), and two international mission studies.
San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) is the regional transit provider for San Joaquin County. RTD’s mission is to provide a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system for the region. For more information, visit sjRTD.com, follow RTD on Facebook and Twitter, or call (209) 943-1111.
